A high school senior in Forrestville, Tennessee, who works at a local grocery store to support his impoverished mother. He harbors a secret talent for music and songwriting, playing the guitar as a creative outlet. He carries the heavy burden of his family's dark legacy, particularly the shame of his father's imprisonment and religious fanaticism, causing him severe anxiety about his own future and sanity.

An ambitious, highly intelligent high school senior running a popular fashion and lifestyle blog called Dollywould. She aims to leave her small Southern town for New York University to pursue a career in media. With her supportive middle-class parents, she provides a stark contrast to her friends' difficult home lives, though her ambition sometimes makes her insensitive to their daily struggles.

A tall, physically imposing teenager who works at his family's struggling lumberyard. He relies on epic fantasy novels, particularly the Bloodfall series, to escape the harsh reality of his father's alcoholism and constant abuse. Despite his intimidating size and a past violent outburst defending a friend, he possesses a gentle, romantic, and intensely loyal personality.

Lydia's father, who works as a local dentist. He deliberately chose to raise his family in Forrestville and maintains a grounded, realistic worldview that contrasts with his daughter's lofty ambitions. He offers stability, humor, and a nonjudgmental attitude, frequently stepping in as a surrogate father figure for his daughter's struggling friends.

The former pastor of the Church of Christ's Disciples with Signs of Belief, now incarcerated for possessing child pornography. He covers his body in snake tattoos and views his prison sentence as a form of divine martyrdom. He uses his intense charisma to manipulate his family, showing absolutely no remorse for his crimes.

An alcoholic man who owns a local lumberyard that barely makes ends meet. He harbors deep, unaddressed grief over his older son's death in Afghanistan, which manifests as vicious physical and verbal abuse directed at Travis. He views Travis's gentle nature and love of reading as a failure of masculinity.

An exhausted, impoverished woman who works as a maid to pay off her incarcerated husband's debts. She remains completely brainwashed by her husband's religious fanaticism, actively discouraging her son from pursuing higher education or leaving their small town in favor of serving God locally.

A kind but passive woman attempting to keep the peace in a volatile household. She loves Travis and tries to support his interests, but she lacks the power or resolve to stop her husband's violent outbursts and mostly stays out of his way.

A supportive, practical mother who helps Lydia pursue her dreams of moving to New York. She provides a model of a healthy, stable relationship and offers her daughter advice on balancing ambition with personal connections.

A young woman who bonds with Travis over the internet. She shares his passion for epic fantasy literature and provides him with a safe space to express his gentle, romantic side away from his abusive father.

A cruel high school bully who torments the unpopular kids in Forrestville. He relies on cheap insults but avoids confronting Travis out of fear of his physical strength and reputation.

Tyson's girlfriend, who participates in his bullying campaigns against Dill and Lydia, echoing his cruel remarks.

The author of the Bloodfall epic fantasy series, whose real name is Gary Mark Kozlowski. Having grown up in rural Kansas, he understands the desire to escape through imagination and encourages his young fans to write their own stories.

Lydia's online best friend. She lives a more glamorous life and represents the future Lydia hopes to achieve once she finally leaves Forrestville behind.

Dahlia's mother and the editor-in-chief of Chic Magazine. She uses her considerable influence to assist Lydia with her college applications and professional connections.

The owner of Riverbank Books. He appreciates gentle people and uses literature as a refuge from the cruelty of the real world, taking a special liking to Travis.

Dill's deceased grandfather, known as the original Serpent King. He lost his mind to grief after his daughter died of a snakebite, starting the family's dark association with snakes and madness.

Travis's older brother who died fighting in Afghanistan. His tragic absence casts a long shadow over the household, exacerbating his father's destructive behavior and setting an impossible standard for Travis.